Countdown to Rick Nash's contract expiration:

Monday, November 12, 2007

Round 2 of the Jackets vs. Nashville starts tonight at Nationwide arena at 7 p.m. EST. The Jackets mounted a solid 3 period comeback against the Preds two nights ago only to lose (again) in a shootout. Its payback time.

Keys to lighting em up

The Jackets must limit the penalties against, especially in the opening minutes.

The Jackets must score the first goal of the game and keep the foot firmly planted on the gas for a full 60 minutes.The Jackets must use being at home to their advantage and come fast and strong. They are 3-1-1 at Nationwide so now is not the time (is there ever a time?) to drop another.

The Jackets must get two points out of this game as the Blackhawks have now passed them up in the Central and if the Preds win this game they will tie them in the standings.

The Preds are the team they were last year and I think the Jackets match up well against this squad and are very capable of putting this team down. That said the Preds are still good. The Preds are in the Jackets heads as Columbus has been unable to beat them in the last 9 games. The Jackets need to play and rely on their system, get timely goaltending from Leclaire, play physical every shift and convert on chances they create -- guys like Nash, Zherdev and Vyborny need to pile up some points tonight.

Standings

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